If you have broken bones due to osteoporosis, you may experience functional limitations at work, at home and in your leisure activities. You may have trouble completing routine tasks such as carrying groceries, vacuuming, changing linens and cooking. You may be unable to sit for long hours at a desk or in front of a computer.You may not be able to play certain sports or take part in other recreational activities you enjoy. These limitations threaten two critical components of quality of life: autonomy and self-esteem.

Many people find they are still able to work or perform chores if they break them into short segments and avoid sitting still for long periods of time. For example, get up every 30 minutes to ease muscle strain and force your skeleton to reposition. Good posture is important as well as the need to avoid bending and twisting. To protect the spine, you should always bend at the hips rather than the waist or ask a coworker for help. Some people find a cloth backpack helps them carry items by redistributing weight away from the spine. Remember, not every person requires the same strategy, and it is important to find what works best for you.

When it comes to your activities, you may need to avoid some of your favorite sports, such as tennis and golf. Unfortunately, these activities may not be safe for your fragile spine. You may be able to modify many of your recreational activities to make them safe. Some activities that need to be modified to protect the spine are dancing, gardening and yoga. While modifying these activities may not eliminate the risk entirely, you can substantially reduce your chance of breaking a bone. You can also add new activities to your daily routine that tend to be safe for people with osteoporosis. For example, sign up for a Tai Chi class at your local fitness or community center. Tai Chi is a great way to improve balance, prevent falls, stay strong and it is good for mental well-being.